A resolution requesting the Mayor and the Chief of Police to include an appropriate recognition at the North Police Precinct commemorating the early Black policemen in Nashville, and to construct a “Wall of Fame” for police officers who have received distinguished service awards.

WHEREAS, a paper submitted to the Tennessee State University Department of Communication by Clifford E. Craighead entitled “A History of the First Negro Policemen in Nashville” documents the history of the first seven Black policemen hired in Nashville; and

WHEREAS, in May of 1948 Will Latham, James T. Booker, Ernest Sampler Ford, Otto Willis, Herman L. Paskett, John W. Smith, Jr., and Gentry Bledsoe were appointed by Mayor Thomas Cummings as the first seven Black policemen in Nashville; and

WHEREAS, these officers overcame racial barriers and opposition to proudly serve their city; and

WHEREAS, these first Black officers helped pave the way for an integrated police force and should be recognized for their service to the community; and

WHEREAS, the new North Police Precinct located at 2231 - 26th Avenue North recently opened to serve the northern communities of Davidson County including Bordeaux, Joelton and Goodlettsville; and

WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that an appropriate recognition be included at the North Police Precinct commemorating the service of the first Black police officers in Nashville, and that a “Wall of Fame” be constructed to recognize police officers who have received distinguished service awards.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. That the Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as requesting the Mayor and the Chief of Police to include an appropriate recognition at the North Police Precinct commemorating the early Black policemen in Nashville, and to construct a “Wall of Fame” for police officers who have received distinguished awards.

Section 2. That the Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a certified copy of this Resolution to Mayor Bill Purcell and to Police Chief Ronal Serpas.

Section 3. The Mayor and Chief of Police are further requested to respond to the Council within sixty (60) days as to the feasibility of and/or action taken in compliance with the request in Section 1 hereof.

Section 4. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Brenda Gilmore, Jamie Isabel, Edward Whitmore